IVF baby is also known as "test tube" baby. To put in a simple way, eggs are retrieved from the female partner and are fertilized with sperm in laboratory to become embryos. They are then put back into the womb. This technique is indicated for couples with tubal blockage, male factor infertility, endometriosis or unexplained infertility. Success rate per cycle is around 25% is inversely related to the age of female partner.

Stage of IVF
1. Follicle stimulation	* Gonadotrophins are used to stimulate ovaries to produce follicles containing the eggs. Premature LH surge is prevented either by down regulation with GnRH analogue or by GnRH antagonist. (Average 10-14 days)
2. Monitoring treatment	* Ultrasound is used for monitoring the number of follicles, rate of follicular growth. Blood hormone level is also taken. And the dosage is adjusted to ensure adequate stimulation and prevent over stimulation.
3. Maturation phase	* Injection of HCG to mature the eggs 36 hours prior to oocyte recovery (OR).
4. Oocyte recovery (OR)	* This is a day surgery procedure. Oocyte retrieval is performed 36 hours after HCG under ultrasound guidance with the patient sedated.
5. Semen production	* A fresh semen sample will be collected on the morning of OR for egg fertilization.
6. Fertilization	* Checking for fertilization the next day.
7. Embryo Replacement	* If there is fertilization, the embryos will be replaced into the womb 2 to 5 days later. No sedation is required. Usually not more than 3 embryos will be replaced. Excess embryos will be frozen.
8. Luteal phase support	* Vaginal pessaries and or HCG will be given to support the uterine lining to help embryo implantation.
9. Pregnancy test